Xiaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, announced on Tuesday that San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama is participating in a 10-day retreat there. This follows the circulation of a photo showing the NBA star in monk attire with a shaved head on Chinese social media.
Chinese national media outlets, such as Every day China and Global Times, confirmed Wembanyama’s extended stay in the country, which reportedly comes after a more traditional tour of Beijing and the Great Wall. Reports suggest that Wembanyama is genuinely engaging in the spiritual experience offered at Xiaolin Temple.
Xiaolin Temple is regarded as a significant site in Zen Buddhism and is recognized as the birthplace of kung fu. However, it’s important to note that strict rules govern ordinations, and it is unlikely that Wembanyama will become a full monk, as foreign participation in the monastery order is generally not permitted.
Interestingly, the player’s trip has sparked a lot of chatter on Weibo, a state-managed social media platform, and has been highlighted in state media as part of a series of friendly visits by NBA players to communist countries. Leading up to Wembanyama’s visit, there were positive mentions by the Chinese administration regarding visits from NBA stars like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Aside from the temple visit, videos have surfaced online showing Wembanyama enjoying other activities in China, including tours of the Great Wall and various locations in Beijing.
It seems that Wembanyama’s time at the temple has caught the attention of local social media users, especially with the ongoing comparisons to airbenders and kung fu themes, which have become a bit of a trend. There’s even talk among fans about potential remakes of classic kung fu films given the context.
The dynamic between the NBA and China is complex, to say the least. While the league thrives on its lucrative relationship with Chinese fans, the players face challenges if they voice their opinions that could be against Chinese policies. Some players, like former Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom, have faced backlash after speaking out on issues like human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims.
As the NBA continues its engagement with China, past players have appeared to overlook these sensitive issues during their promotional trips. For instance, Giannis Antetokounmpo made headlines for returning to China post-COVID, sharing friendly interactions with fans without mentioning the political backdrop.
While Wembanyama’s journey has been a delightful topic of discussion, it’s clear that behind the scenes, there are significant complexities at play regarding athletes’ relations with China and the moral implications involved. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has defended these ties, emphasizing the league’s mission to bring joy through basketball.
